Rep. Andy Dulin: (R-Mecklenburg) House District 104

“The school system can do and will do with what they’re given.” - Andy Dulin, Creative Loafing, 10/20/04

Dulin places his own advancement above the wants and needs of his constituents. Dulin has called himself a “constituent services guru;” however, he has voted against the desires of those he represents, preferring to ignore constituents in favor of campaign contributions from corporations. He won a seat in the NC House in 2016 following unsuccessful runs for the Republican nomination in the 9th congressional district, NC Senate District 39 against Bob Rucho, and the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. He has been noted for his confidence and calls his political skills “The Dulin Factor.” Instead of standing up for the needs of his constituents, Dulin consistently played follow-the-leader with his Republican colleagues in Raleigh. Republicans in the General Assembly have repeatedly denied North Carolinians affordable healthcare. Dulin and his party used a procedural vote to block Medicaid expansion to rural North Carolina. Dulin also voted to pass an amended bill originally touted as school safety legislation after Senate Republicans added provisions that would drive up insurance premiums and allow providers to price out preexisting conditions. Dulin voted for the 2017 Republican budget that prioritized tax cuts over funding public education and has always advocated for cutting funding from public schools. In 2004 he said CMS can do with what they are given, and “what they're given [,,,] is enough.” Meanwhile, per pupil spending remains below pre-recession levels in North Carolina. The 2017 budget also allocated $45 million to private school voucher programs, siphoning money from public education. Following the school shooting in Parkland, FL, Dulin sponsored a “school safety” bill that included no provisions on gun safety or mental health. Republican leadership blocked gun debate, pushing the narrative that guns are irrelevant to school safety. Dulin does not own a gun, but has said, “By golly, that second amendment is there for a reason.”

North Carolina Legislator Profile

Dulin and the Republicans in the General Assembly have passed laws that destabilize affordable healthcare in North Carolina.

• Using a procedural vote, Republicans blocked healthcare expansion that would benefit rural North Carolina.

• Dulin voted for an amended school safety bill that critics say will drive up healthcare premiums and allow providers to price-out preexisting conditions.

Dulin voted for the 2017 Republican budget that prioritized tax cuts over funding public education.

• Dulin has always advocated cutting funding from public schools, saying in 2004 that CMS can do with “what they're given…at $260 million of tax money is enough.”

• Classroom spending remains below pre-recession levels. • Teachers spend $500 to $1,000 out-of-pocket on school supplies not covered by state budgets

each year. Dulin places his own advancement above the wants and needs of his constituents.

• Dulin has called himself a “constituent services guru.” • He calls his own political skills “The Dulin Factor.” • He has a history of lobbying in direct opposition of his constituents’ requests, preferring to

accept donations from developers and cater to their zoning needs. In the wake of the Parkland, FL school shooting, Dulin sponsored bills that failed to make any meaningful changes to school safety while Republicans declared gun control measures “irrelevant.”

• Dulin sponsored a bill that would add more law enforcement officers to public schools and standardize training for resource officers on campuses.

• While the bill was on the floor, House Speaker Tim Moore blocked debate and votes on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions.

• Dulin’s school safety bill contains no mental health provisions.

Summary

Dulin has voted to both block Medicaid expansion and destabilize affordable healthcare in North Carolina since his election to office. In 2018, Dulin and the Republicans of the NCGA voted to block Medicaid expansion again using a procedural vote. In 2018, Dulin and the Republicans of the NCGA voted to block Medicaid expansion using a procedural vote. “Rep. Bobbie Richardson, a Franklin County Democrat, argued that expanding Medicaid would improve health care in rural communities. But Moore ruled the amendment out of order because it would be "appropriating funds out of compliance with our rules," and after Richardson appealed the ruling, the House sided with Moore in a 70-42 vote. The vote was largely along party lines with Rep. Ken Goodman, a Richmond County Democrat, joining all Republicans to block further action on the amendment.” (News & Observer, 6/12/18; H998 A4, motion to appeal ruling of the chair, 6/11/18) Rep. Bobbie Richardson proposed an amendment that would expand Medicaid under the ACA to H998, a bill meant to improve health care for rural North Carolinians. “Rep. Bobbie Richardson, a Franklin County Democrat, argued that expanding Medicaid would improve health care in rural communities. But Moore ruled the amendment out of order because it would be "appropriating funds out of compliance with our rules," and after Richardson appealed the ruling, the House sided with Moore in a 70-42 vote. The vote was largely along party lines with Rep. Ken Goodman, a Richmond County Democrat, joining all Republicans to block further action on the amendment.” (News & Observer, 6/12/18; H998 A4, motion to appeal ruling of the chair, 6/11/18) House Speaker Tim Moore ruled the amendment out of order, Democrats attempted to appeal his ruling, but Republicans helped him sustain it, blocking Medicaid expansion. “Rep. Bobbie Richardson, a Franklin County Democrat, argued that expanding Medicaid would improve health care in rural communities. But Moore ruled the amendment out of order because it would be "appropriating funds out of compliance with our rules," and after Richardson appealed the ruling, the House sided with Moore in a 70-42 vote. The vote was largely along party lines with Rep. Ken Goodman, a Richmond County Democrat, joining all Republicans to block further action on the amendment.” (News & Observer, 6/12/18; H998 A4, motion to appeal ruling of the chair, 6/11/18) H998 was amended to study how Medicaid expansion might help improve rural health outcomes, though the term “Medicaid expansion” was not explicitly used. H998 was amended to study how Medicaid expansion might help improve rural health outcomes. “The amendment to House Bill 998 from House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson of Wake County avoids using the term "Medicaid expansion" but would order the Department of Health and Human Services to study "whether there are changes to the Medicaid Program that will increase preventative health services, improve health outcomes, and lower the overall costs of care" and include the total cost of any recommended changes. A legislative oversight committee would receive the department's report by Oct. 1. Jackson stressed that the proposal was "only a study" of "what the costs would be of expanding it," and the amendment wasn't debated further before it was added to HB 998 in a 69-43 vote. About 25 Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the amendment.” (News & Observer, 6/12/18; H998 A5, adopted 6/11/18) The amendment is "only a study" of "what the costs would be of expanding it” and was added to the bill in a 69-43 vote with 25 Republicans joining Democrats to support the amendment. “A state agency could study the costs and benefits of expanding Medicaid under an amendment added to a House rural healthcare bill Monday night. he amendment to House Bill 998 from House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson of Wake County avoids using the term "Medicaid expansion" but would order the Department of Health and Human Services to study "whether there are changes to the Medicaid

Program that will increase preventative health services, improve health outcomes, and lower the overall costs of care" and include the total cost of any recommended changes. A legislative oversight committee would receive the department's report by Oct. 1. Jackson stressed that the proposal was "only a study" of "what the costs would be of expanding it," and the amendment wasn't debated further before it was added to HB 998 in a 69-43 vote. About 25 Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the amendment.” (News & Observer, 6/12/18) The amendment did not actually include the term “Medicaid expansion,” but instead referred to “changes to the Medicaid Program.” “The amendment to House Bill 998 from House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson of Wake County avoids using the term "Medicaid expansion" but would order the Department of Health and Human Services to study "whether there are changes to the Medicaid Program that will increase preventative health services, improve health outcomes, and lower the overall costs of care" and include the total cost of any recommended changes. A legislative oversight committee would receive the department's report by Oct. 1. Jackson stressed that the proposal was "only a study" of "what the costs would be of expanding it," and the amendment wasn't debated further before it was added to HB 998 in a 69-43 vote. About 25 Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the amendment.” (News & Observer, 6/12/18; H998 A5, adopted 6/11/18) Dulin voted to support an amended H933, a bill originally intended to grant a state license to practice school psychology to any individual already licensed by the National Association of School Psychologists but later changed to destabilize the Affordable Care Act.

Ø NOTE: H933 passed the House unanimously on 2nd reading on 5/17/18, Referred to Senate Rules on 5/21/18, Senate amended 6/13/28, House failed to concur 6/14/18

H933 would grant a state license to practice school psychology to any individual already licensed by the National Association of School Psychologists. H933 “streamlines recruitment of out-of-state school psychologists by recognizing the nationally certified school psychologist credential as sufficient qualification for becoming a school psychologist in North Carolina.” (WFAE, 5/19/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18) H933 will allow properly certified school psychologists to bypass a “cumbersome application process and licensing procedure” at the state level. “Rep. Josh Dobson, R-Avery, chair of the student health subcommittee, discussed impetus of the bill. ‘Currently, there is no agreement in place to allow our school psychologists from out-of-state schools to practice in North Carolina without going through [a] cumbersome application process and licensing procedure,’ said Dobson. ‘This bill would change that.’ The bill directs the State Board of Education to license individuals who hold the national credential to practice as school psychologists in North Carolina.” (WFAE, 5/19/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18) This bill will not require additional appropriations. The bill addresses vacant positions and does not establish new positions. “Dobson clarified that the bill does not require any additional appropriation because it addresses credentialing for vacant positions rather than establishing new positions. Funds for the vacant positions have already been appropriated.” (WFAE, 5/19/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18) In June, Senate Republicans amended H933 in committee to include provisions intended to destabilize the healthcare system in North Carolina. The Senate Health Care Committee amended H933 to include insurance provisions. “Senate Republicans unveiled the new portions of House Bill 933 at a committee meeting Thursday morning, potentially clearing surprise provisions aimed purportedly at lowering the threshold for small employers

to offer self-funded health plans and, perhaps most importantly, clearing less-regulated association health plans for membership organizations like the N.C. Farm Bureau.” (Progressive Pulse, 6/7/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18) Sen. Ralph Hise pitched the amendments as a means of expanding healthcare options for residents facing expensive healthcare premiums. “Wooten and Sen. Ralph Hise, a western North Carolina Republican who co-chairs the Senate Health Care Committee, pitched the revisions to the school safety bill as a means of expanding health insurance options for residents complaining of soaring healthcare premiums. The revisions come with federal officials considering new rules for skimpy short-term plans and association health plans. If approved by state lawmakers, the new rules would allow groups like Farm Bureau to offer health plans exempted from state oversight and from ACA regulations that protect individuals with pre-existing conditions from being excluded or facing higher premiums.” (Progressive Pulse, 6/7/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18) The legislation would allow nonprofits to offer “health benefit plans” exempt of state and federal regulation. “Legislation poised for passage in the N.C. Senate would allow nonprofits to offer “health benefit plans” that would be exempt from nearly all state and federal regulations that govern health insurance. Supporters say the measure would allow nonprofits to offer health benefit plans that would be similar to health insurance, but could be cheaper than health insurance purchased on the Affordable Care Act exchange as well as other forms of insurance. But critics worry the legislation would open the door for products that would discriminate against those with pre-existing health conditions, offer skimpy benefits, and come with few or no consumer protections. The plans would be similar to those offered in Tennessee, where premiums on the ACA exchanges have climbed precipitously, in part because of the impact of these unregulated plans.” (North Carolina Health News, 6/14/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18) Critics warned that the provisions would open the door for products that would discriminate against those with pre-existing health conditions, offer skimpy benefits, and come with few or no consumer protections. “Legislation poised for passage in the N.C. Senate would allow nonprofits to offer “health benefit plans” that would be exempt from nearly all state and federal regulations that govern health insurance. Supporters say the measure would allow nonprofits to offer health benefit plans that would be similar to health insurance, but could be cheaper than health insurance purchased on the Affordable Care Act exchange as well as other forms of insurance. But critics worry the legislation would open the door for products that would discriminate against those with pre-existing health conditions, offer skimpy benefits, and come with few or no consumer protections. The plans would be similar to those offered in Tennessee, where premiums on the ACA exchanges have climbed precipitously, in part because of the impact of these unregulated plans.” (North Carolina Health News, 6/14/18) These plans would not require employers to cover a minimum set of services and allow them price-out certain preexisting conditions. “The legislation would allow nonprofit organizations that have existed for at least 10 years, and which offer membership in all 100 counties, to offer their members health benefit plans. Unlike other health insurance plans and coverage offered by employers, these benefit plans wouldn’t be required to cover a minimum set of health care services. And plans could be priced at different levels so that people with pre-existing health conditions would be charged more or else not have their pre-existing conditions covered.” (North Carolina Health News, 6/14/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18)

Critics drew comparisons between Hise’s amendments and a loophole written by Tennessee legislators that has driven up premiums exponentially. These provisions mirror a loophole created by Tennessee legislators who explicitly said Farm Bureau health plans were not insurance under state law. “The Tennessee Farm Bureau plans don’t have to follow ACA regulations thanks to a loophole created by Tennessee legislators in the early 1990s, when lawmakers explicitly said Farm Bureau health plans weren’t health insurance under state law. HB 933 would perform a similar legislative maneuver, exempting association health plans from most of the state’s health insurance regulations. Many health policy experts think the Tennessee Farm Bureau plans are hurting that state’s ACA exchanges, driving up premiums and making them less stable, said Zack Buck, a law professor at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Law who focuses on health law.” (North Carolina Health News, 6/14/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18) Tennessee is “a terrible ACA exchange marketplace.” “Healthier people are able to get cheaper policies from the Farm Bureau, so they buy those, Buck said, making the pool of people covered in exchange plans less healthy overall, and driving up premiums. Since most people who are covered under ACA exchanges receive subsidies, this could also increase government spending on exchange plans. ‘Tennessee is a terrible ACA exchange marketplace,’ Buck said. ‘Nashville has tremendously high premiums compared to lots of other cities of similar size.’ For a few months last year, he said, east Tennessee didn’t have any insurers offering plans on the exchange. Tennessee’s exchange ‘is probably one of the worst five or 10 in the country,’ he said.” (North Carolina Health News, 6/14/18) The N.C. Justice Center called the changes to H933 “dangerous new provisions that would endanger critical protections for North Carolinians with pre-existing conditions.” “Opponents say the state Senate measure coincides with a GOP push to allow for slim plans in alternative marketplaces catered to ‘healthy’ individuals, a push that threatens to weaken the ACA marketplace and drive up costs for sick individuals. Critics quickly pounced on the proposal Thursday. The progressive N.C. Justice Center issued a statement calling the reforms ‘dangerous new provisions that would endanger critical protections for North Carolinians with pre-existing conditions.’ (Progressive Pulse, 6/7/18; H933, House failed to concur 6/14/18)

Dulin has repeatedly voted for Republican budgets that let public education fall behind and fail to meaningfully raise teacher salaries. Dulin voted for a budget that let education in North Carolina fall further behind, keeping per-pupil spending at pre-recession levels and teacher salaries almost $10,000 below the national average. Under the Republican budget, starting teachers will receive little to no raise. “Most public school teachers will receive a pay hike of 9.6 percent over the next two years, which is a significant jump. However, starting teachers and our most experienced teachers receive little or no raises. Total education spending came in about 30% less than Gov. Cooper’s proposed spending. ($755m to $520m) and per pupil spending is still 6.7% below pre-Recession level. In the spring of 2016, Senator Phil Berger unveiled a plan to bring average teacher pay to $54,224 in the 17-18 school year. This budget fails to meet Senator Berger’s promise.” (Stronger NC, 6/26/17) Gov. Cooper’s proposed budget would have increased education spending by $755 million. “Cooper increased education spending in the coming year by $755 million; the House and Senate weakly approved half that much.” (News & Observer, Editorial, 6/3/17) The Republican budget spent 30% less on education than the Governor’s proposed budget. “Most public school teachers will receive a pay hike of 9.6 percent over the next two years, which is a significant jump. However, starting teachers and our most experienced teachers receive little or no raises. Total education spending came in about 30% less than Gov. Cooper’s proposed spending. ($755m to $520m) and per pupil spending is still 6.7% below pre-Recession level. In the spring of 2016, Senator Phil Berger unveiled a plan to bring average teacher pay to $54,224 in the 17-18 school year. This budget fails to meet Senator Berger’s promise.” (Stronger NC, 6/26/17) Under the Republican budget, per pupil spending is 6.7% below pre-recession level. “Most public school teachers will receive a pay hike of 9.6 percent over the next two years, which is a significant jump. However, starting teachers and our most experienced teachers receive little or no raises. Total education spending came in about 30% less than Gov. Cooper’s proposed spending. ($755m to $520m) and per pupil spending is still 6.7% below pre-Recession level. In the spring of 2016, Senator Phil Berger unveiled a plan to bring average teacher pay to $54,224 in the 17-18 school year. This budget fails to meet Senator Berger’s promise.” (Stronger NC, 6/26/17) Teacher pay still almost $10K less than the national average North Carolina’s average teacher salary for 2017 is $9,543 less than the national average. (NEA Rankings & Estimates, 2016-17) Headline: “Average teacher pay in NC falls short of $50,000 mark.” “Average teacher pay in North Carolina this school year falls short of the $50,000 mark touted by state lawmakers and former Gov. Pat McCrory last fall, according to data released this week by the Department of Public Instruction. The actual figure is $49,837, which is hardly a huge miss at less than $200 off the mark, but critics say that gap points to deeper problems with how state and local governments pay educators.” (WRAL, 2/3/17) 2015 Average Salary of Teachers

2015 Rank

2016 Average Salary of Teachers

2016 Rank

2017 Estimated Average Salary of Teachers

2017 Estimated Rank

$47497 40 $47,941 41 $49,407 36 (NEA Rankings & Estimates, 2016-17)

North Carolina projected to spend less per student in 2017 than 2016 Dropped ranking from 42 to 43 from 2016 to 2017 North Carolina was ranked 42nd in per pupil spending in 2016. (NEA Rankings & Estimates, 2016-17) North Carolina was projected to rank 43rd in per pupil spending in 2017. (NEA Rankings & Estimates, 2016-17) North Carolina decreased per pupil spending from 2016 to 2017 North Carolina’s per pupil spending in fall enrollment in 2016 was $8,887.56. (NC Public Schools, accessed, 5/17/2017) North Carolina’s per pupil spending in fall enrollment projected for 2017 was $8,940. (NEA Rankings & Estimates, 2016-17) North Carolina only ahead of Mississippi in the Southeast in per pupil spending North Carolina only beats Mississippi for per pupil spending in the Southeast. (NEA Rankings & Estimates, 2016-17) The 2017 Republican budget did not include a stipend to aid teachers with out-of-pocket expenses. Republican lawmakers did not include Gov. Cooper’s recommendation of a stipend to aid teachers with out-of-pocket expenses in the final budget proposal. “He also criticized lawmakers' decision to omit his proposed stipend for teachers to help buy classroom supplies, a lack of funding for teaching assistants, school nurses and school counselors and shifting more money into the Opportunity Scholarships private school voucher program. "Teachers see through dishonest budget gimmicks," Cooper said as he was surrounded by a group of teachers at the Executive Mansion.” (WRAL, 6/26/17) Teachers across the country spent $500 to $1000 out-of-pocket for classroom supplies and job-related expenses last year. “According to a recent report from “Time,” the Education Market Association says most teachers across the country spent $500 to $1,000 annually out of their own pockets for classroom supplies and job-related expenses last year. The report said that $1.6 billion in school supply costs are shifted from parents or cash-strapped school districts onto teachers themselves.” (Gaston Gazette, 5/6/17) The 2017 Republican budget prioritized tax cuts over funding public education. The 2017 Republican budget continues the trend of cutting taxes rather than raising per pupil spending. “This budget will cut individual income tax rates to 5.25 percent from 5.499 percent and the corporate rate to 2.5 percent from 3 percent in the second year, costing the state $900 million annually when fully implemented.” (News & Observer Editorial, 6/24/17, S257, Vetoed 6/27/17, Senate Veto Override 6/27/17, House Veto Override 6/28/17) Dulin: “The school system can do and will do with what they’re given.” During his 2004 campaign for Mecklenburg County Commission Dulin commented on the school system “the school system can do and will do with what they’re given.” “‘I believe that when everybody buckles down, the school system can do and will do with what they're given,’ said

[Andy Dulin]. ‘And what they're given in my opinion at $260 million dollars of tax money is enough.’ […] One-term incumbent Dan Ramirez and newcomer Andy Dulin, a realtor, pledge that they won't raise taxes if elected, but will instead rein in county spending. Ruth Samuelson, a commission district rep who is running at-large for the first time, is also unlikely to vote to raise taxes, but says she doesn't make tax pledges. For the last year, the school board and the Republicans on the commission have been squabbling over money. The school system says the county isn't giving it enough money to operate effectively, and the Republicans think the school system doesn't prioritize and spends with no long-term plans. Because the school system gets as much money as the commission will give it, it hasn't had to make hard decisions about which programs are ineffective or how to get more out of what works, they say.” (Creative Loafing, 10/20/04) Dulin said “finding efficiencies” in school system was one way to keep property taxes low in Mecklenburg. “Incumbent Commissioner Ruth Samuelson of District 5 said the county needs to control spending and the property tax rate. Last year Republicans adopted a $1.06 billion county budget that lowered the property tax rate to 73.64 cents per $100 of assessed value, down from 83.97 cents. The drop was enough to offset the recent property revaluation and the recent half-cent sales tax increase. ‘We've got to figure out how to live within our means,’ Samuelson said. Real estate broker Andy Dulin said one way to keep the property tax low is by ‘finding some efficiencies in our school system.’” (Charlotte Observer, 4/29/04) Dulin could not point to specific items that CMS should cut. “He said he thinks the county is spending enough - $271 million this year - for operating expenses at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. But he said he cannot point to specific items that CMS should cut as it copes with enrollment growth, other than more efficient busing. Dulin wants school board members to get along better, and says the county and CMS need to work together more productively.” (Charlotte Observer, 10/12/04)

Dulin values his own political advancement over the wants and needs of his constituents, touting “The Dulin Factor,” a nickname he has given to his own political skills. Dulin prides himself on being a “constituent-services guru,” gives out his personal cell phone number, and refers to his own style of campaigning as “The Dulin Factor.” Dulin prides himself on his “confidence.” “Andy Dulin had only met the man once, at a veterans' rally that weekend. But at a south Charlotte restaurant last week, he greeted the man like an old friend, chatted him up like a pal and left him with a Dulin-for-Congress card. Back in his seat, Dulin leaned over to a reporter: ‘Therein lies the Andy Dulin Factor,’ he said. ‘Nobody can do that as well as I can. It's not cocky. It's confident.’ Dulin, 52, is nothing if not confident.” (Charlotte Observer, 4/9/12) Dulin calls himself a "constituent-services guru" and gives out his personal cell phone number. “Dulin says he would bring energy and fresh perspective. He calls himself a "constituent-services guru" who gives constituents his cell phone number. "They know I'm going to get up there, put my arms around Raleigh and come back and tell them about it," he said.” (Charlotte Observer, 4/28/08) Dulin sees holding elective office as a ministry. “Brown: So you're a salesman at heart. Why elected office? Dulin: I look at elected service almost as a ministry, not a job. I do a lot of ministry work with men getting out of prison, trying to reduce recidivism. ... As long as I can look at politics that way and not a job, I can serve the community. A lot of (council) members are doing it for the $1,000 a month. It's a full-time job, really, and I think I'm earning every bit of the $3 an hour it works out to be. But there will always be somebody who says, ‘Hey, Dulin, you're overpaid!’ We're all ambassadors for the city, making decisions that affect a lot of people in their everyday lives, whether they know it or not.’” (Mecklenburg Times, 2/11/13) As a member of the Charlotte City Council, Dulin accepted thousands of dollars from real estate developer Afshin Ghazi seeking a rezoning decision in order to build a condo tower; his constituents, fellow City Council members, and then-Mayor Pat McCrory opposed the rezoning. Dulin received over $2,600 from Ghazi in May and June of 2007. “The campaign of Warren Turner had received $2,000 from the developer and his associates as of July 31. Or how about Michael Barnes, whose campaign received $5,000 in checks and $1,000 of ‘in-kind food and beverage’ from several Ghazi associates last April and May? Then there's Andy Dulin, whose campaign received over $2,600 in May and June from Ghazi-connected contributors, and Mayor Pat McCrory, whose campaign benefited $5,000 from the group. In August, John Lassiter's campaign garnered $1,850 in contributions from the same array of donors.” (Charlotte Observer, Editorial, 10/03/07) Ghazi and two business associates gave $5,250 to Dulin’s 2008 NC Senate campaign. “Charlotte Business Journal research of campaign contributions corroborated Eury's findings as well as other donations reported after she wrote her letter to the city. From February 2008 to April 2008, Ghazi and two business associates gave Dulin's Senate campaign an additional $5,250.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/08/08)

Ø Project developer Afshin Ghazi served as a co-host for a $50,000 fundraiser for Dulin’s primary race against Sen. Bob Rucho. “Eury was upset after Ghazi's project got the green light, but it wasn't until a few months later, after reading about a party in the newspaper, that she became livid. The event? A $50,000 fundraiser for Dulin's primary race against Rucho. The hosts? Dozens of contributors, mostly developers, including Ghazi. It was then that Eury decided to do some digging.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08)

Developer Afshin Ghazi and his business associates made numerous contributions to Dulin and other council members before and after the zoning case. “Eury's research revealed that Ghazi and his business associates made numerous campaign contributions to Dulin and other council members before and after the zoning case was under review. She believes the contributions played a role in the zoning approval and first wrote a letter to the city attorney in March asking for the process to be reviewed.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08) In the months before and after the rezoning vote partners of Ghazi Co. gave $17,550 to campaigns for four council members. “In the months before and after the rezoning vote, partners of Ghazi Co. gave $17,550 to campaigns for four council members.

Ø Ghazi Co. leader Afshin Ghazi donated a total of $5,000 to five campaigns. Ø Armin Ghazi, Afshin's brother, donated a total of $2,750 to five campaigns. Ø Business partner George Cornelson of The Cornelson Co. donated a total of $6,500 to four

campaigns. Ø Ghazi Co. partner Shawn Wilfong donated a total of $2,300 to two campaigns. Ø Ghazi Co. partner Seth Wilfong donated a total of $1,000 to three campaigns. (Charlotte

Business Journal, 9/8/08) Dulin led the charge for rezoning in SouthPark despite neighborhood opposition. “One thing is clear in the battle over the SouthPark rezoning won last year by Afshin Ghazi: City Council member Andy Dulin championed the project despite intense neighborhood opposition. ‘I want to commend the Ghazi Company. They have worked hard,’ Dulin said at a June 18, 2007, public hearing on three rezoning requests from Ghazi, including the site in SouthPark.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08) The council approved rezoning for a planned condo tower by developer Afshin Ghazi despite objections from city staff, a unanimous advisory panel recommendation to reject the project and protests from Mayor Pat McCrory. “Council approved developer Afshin Ghazi's plans for the Fairview Road condo tower despite objections from city staff, a unanimous advisory panel recommendation to reject the project and protests from Mayor Pat McCrory. For years, high-rise development in the South Park area was planned, and pledged, to stop at Park South Drive, east of the Picardy neighborhood.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08) Dulin ignored neighbor’s concerns with the proposal and encouraged other members to approve the plan. “A frustrated and furious Eury spent hours combing through campaign contribution records trying to understand why Andy Dulin, her council representative, ignored neighbors' concerns. During council consideration of the proposal, Dulin encouraged nine other members to approve the plan.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08) The city council voted 10-2 in favor of rezoning in July 2007, allowing the project to move forward. “Council voted 10 to 2 in favor of the rezoning in July 2007. Ghazi won the rights to develop a complex containing 65 condos. A mixed-use tower on the site would top out at 10 stories on land previously designated for a building no taller than four stories or containing no more than 12 units. Ghazi's 150-foot structure promising street-level shops is planned to rise right next to the home Eury has lived in since 1978.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08)

Ø Voters angry about rezoning that allowed a 10-story building near their one-two story homes ran a write-in campaign against Dulin following the rezoning vote. “Voters in Charlotte's Picardy neighborhood haven't forgotten the City Council's approval this year of a rezoning that allows a 10-story condo project near their one- and two-story homes. To show their disapproval, some are supporting a write-in candidate to run against council member Andy Dulin, their unopposed District 6 representative. Wilna Eury, a longtime resident of the SouthPark area neighborhood, is not expected to get enough votes to win. But neighborhood leaders hope the last-minute effort sends a message.” (Charlotte Observer, 11/03/07)

Mayor Pat McCrory opposed the project, citing a commitment to the community. “Only Mayor McCrory and Patrick Mumford, who was on council at the time of the decision, opposed the project. "We made a commitment to our plan and to the community, and not just this neighborhood, by the way, but the entire community, that we were going to stay within the footprint of South Park," the mayor said right before the July 23, 2007, decision. Leading support for the project was Dulin, who represents the South Park district.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08) In July 2007 Dulin voted for the $100 million Ghazi project. “The Ghazi Co. asked the city to rezone 3 acres on the northwest corner of Fairview Road and Wintercrest Lane from single-family residential and conditional-use multifamily residential to conditional urban residential and commercial. A big white house sits on the site now, and will be moved to the other side of the property. The council voted 9-2 to change the zoning at its meeting Monday, going against the zoning committee's recommendation. The zoning committee voted unanimously to deny the petition and the planning staff also didn't support it, because its density is inconsistent with adopted plans and policies for the area, which call for 12 units per acre on that site. The zoning committee also cited the existing single-family neighborhood. City Council member Andy Dulin, whose District 6 includes that area, voted for the project. He said it's a $100 million investment and that Ghazi is aiming for prices starting from the $600,000s to well over $1 million.” (Charlotte Observer, 7/29/07) Dulin said he voted for the project because he thought it would be good for the neighborhood, remembering “when there were cows in SouthPark,” and praising high-end prices. “In an interview this week, Dulin says he voted for the zoning change solely because he felt Ghazi's project was good for the neighborhood and the city. ‘The merits of this project are what I am interested in,’ Dulin says. ‘I'm a lifelong Charlottean. I remember when there were cows in SouthPark. To see this area grow has been a special thing as a resident.’ Dulin praised the project's proximity to SouthPark and its high-end prices.” (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/08/08) Dulin claimed receiving donations from developers isn’t controversial because he’s in the real estate business. “And receiving donations from developers shouldn't be odd or controversial, he says, since he's in the real estate business. Dulin is a residential real estate broker with Cottingham-Chalk & Associates. Nor is the timing unusual, he says. ‘We had a fundraiser in a political season. That's when we have them,’ he says. ‘We see a lot of zoning cases.’" (Charlotte Business Journal, 9/8/08)

Following the shooting in Parkland, Florida, Dulin sponsored a bill that provided various school safety changes but did not “include any provisions on gun safety or mental health.” H938 would add more “building safety and campus police officer requirements for North Carolina’s public schools.” H938 would add more “building safety and campus police officer requirements for North Carolina’s public schools.” “More building safety and campus police officer requirements for North Carolina's public schools would occur if a bill that cleared one chamber of the General Assembly on Monday becomes law. The House voted unanimously for a measure that includes several policy recommendations made by a House study committee formed in response to the Florida school shooting in February that left 17 people dead. The bill now heading to the Senate would require all school buildings to undergo annual vulnerability assessments and middle and high schools to create student-to-student counseling programs.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) H938 “would require all school buildings to undergo annual vulnerability assessments and middle and high schools to create student-to-student counseling programs.” “More building safety and campus police officer requirements for North Carolina's public schools would occur if a bill that cleared one chamber of the General Assembly on Monday becomes law. The House voted unanimously for a measure that includes several policy recommendations made by a House study committee formed in response to the Florida school shooting in February that left 17 people dead. The bill now heading to the Senate would require all school buildings to undergo annual vulnerability assessments and middle and high schools to create student-to-student counseling programs.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) H938 would standardize training for school resource officers. “House Bill 938 is the product of a special school safety committee House Speaker Tim Moore created in the wake of the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla. It calls for establishing peer-to-peer support groups at middle and high schools, requiring all schools to conduct vulnerability assessments each year, standardizing training for school resource officers and requiring charter schools to hold annual active shooter drills.” (WRAL, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) H938 would mandate special training for school resource officers. “Special training for school resource officers would be mandated in the bill, while charter schools would have risk management plans and hold safety drills like conventional public schools. State budget adjustments approved last week and currently on Gov. Roy Cooper's desk also have $28 million in new funds largely connected to the study committee suggestions.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) House Speaker Moore blocked debate on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions, saying they were not relevant to H938’s focus on school safety. “House Speaker Tim Moore blocked debate and votes on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions and other items.” “House Speaker Tim Moore blocked debate and votes on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions and other items, saying they weren't relevant specifically to the bill's focus on school safety. The Republican-controlled House voted to uphold Moore's decisions when Democrats appealed his rulings. Some amendments would have raised the age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21 and banned "bump stocks," which allow guns to mimic fully automatic fire. Another amendment would create a process by which a judge could order people considered physical threats to themselves or others to surrender weapons temporarily.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18)

Ø Moore said the amendments weren’t relevant to H938’s focus on school safety. “House Speaker Tim Moore blocked debate and votes on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions and other items, saying they weren't relevant specifically to the bill's focus on school safety. The Republican-controlled House voted to uphold Moore's decisions when Democrats appealed his rulings. Some amendments would have raised the age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21 and banned "bump stocks," which allow guns to mimic fully automatic fire. Another amendment would create a process by which a judge could order people considered physical threats to themselves or others to surrender weapons temporarily.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18)

“The Republican-controlled House voted to uphold Moore’s decisions when Democrats appealed his rulings.” “House Speaker Tim Moore blocked debate and votes on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions and other items, saying they weren't relevant specifically to the bill's focus on school safety. The Republican-controlled House voted to uphold Moore's decisions when Democrats appealed his rulings. Some amendments would have raised the age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21 and banned "bump stocks," which allow guns to mimic fully automatic fire. Another amendment would create a process by which a judge could order people considered physical threats to themselves or others to surrender weapons temporarily.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) Some amendments would have raised the age to purchase firearms, banned bump stocks, and created a process to take guns from those considered a threat to themselves or others. “Some amendments would have raised the age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21 and banned ‘bump stocks.’” “House Speaker Tim Moore blocked debate and votes on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions and other items, saying they weren't relevant specifically to the bill's focus on school safety. The Republican-controlled House voted to uphold Moore's decisions when Democrats appealed his rulings. Some amendments would have raised the age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21 and banned "bump stocks," which allow guns to mimic fully automatic fire. Another amendment would create a process by which a judge could order people considered physical threats to themselves or others to surrender weapons temporarily.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) “Another amendment would create a process by which a judge could order people considered physical threats to themselves or others to surrender weapons temporarily.” “House Speaker Tim Moore blocked debate and votes on several Democratic amendments containing gun-control restrictions and other items, saying they weren't relevant specifically to the bill's focus on school safety. The Republican-controlled House voted to uphold Moore's decisions when Democrats appealed his rulings. Some amendments would have raised the age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21 and banned "bump stocks," which allow guns to mimic fully automatic fire. Another amendment would create a process by which a judge could order people considered physical threats to themselves or others to surrender weapons temporarily.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) Rep. Marcia Morey suggested “a ‘red flag’ law in North Carolina to allow firearms to be taken out of the hands of anyone deemed a threat to themselves or others.” “"This is purely to help students stay alive and safe," Rep. Marcia Morey, D-Durham, said of her proposal for a "red flag" law in North Carolina to allow firearms to be taken out of the hands of anyone deemed a threat to themselves or others.” (WRAL, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) Rep. Joe John “suggested requiring all 911 centers statewide to accept text messages.” “Rep. Joe John, D-Wake, who suggested requiring all 911 centers statewide to accept text messages, said he couldn't think of anything more germane to protect students hiding in their classrooms from a gunman

to allow them to send a text notifying authorities of the situation.” (WRAL, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) Some Democrats criticized H938 as inadequate, “noting it doesn’t include any provisions on gun safety or mental health.” “Some Democrats criticized the measure as inadequate, noting it doesn’t include any provisions on gun safety or mental health.” “Some Democrats criticized the measure as inadequate, noting it doesn't include any provisions on gun safety or mental health. "This is a giant missed opportunity," said Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford. "I think we'll receive an incomplete on school safety," said Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe.” (WRAL, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) Rep. Pricey Harrison: “We are really missing an opportunity for something serious for school safety.” “"We are really missing an opportunity for something serious for school safety," said Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison of Guilford County, the author of an amendment ruled out of order.” (Associated Press, 6/4/18; H938, referred to Senate Rules Committee 6/5/18) Dulin does not own a gun but supports the second amendment and is endorsed by the NRA.

Dulin told the media that he does not own a gun but believes “the second amendment is there for a reason.” As for raising age to buy a rifle, Republican State Representative Andy Dulin of Charlotte said he was willing to discuss the idea but would not go any further. ‘I don’t own a gun, but by golly that second amendment is there for a reason,’ said Dulin.” (WCNC, 3/29/18) The NRA endorsed Dulin in 2016. (Vote Smart, retrieved 10/7/18)

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